Wiley's Well
Wiley's Well represents a natural artesian spring in the Colorado Desert of Riverside County at just 582 feet elevation west of Blythe. Named after storekeeper and postmaster A.P. Wiley, who deepened a shallow well in 1907 along the historic Bradshaw Trail, this feature combines natural hydrology with human intervention. Located roadside just 59.3 meters from the nearest road in one of California's hottest and driest landscapes.
The spring emerges in the lower Colorado Desert's riparian wash environment, surrounded by desert trees including palo verde, smoke tree, mesquite, and ironwood. Unlike most surrounding terrain's barren character, the wash's seasonal water and vegetation create a distinctive oasis-like setting. The desert's oppressive heat dominates the experience, with minimal shade and limited natural shelters available.
Wiley's Well traces origins to two distinct historical periods: first as a shallow well dug by a stagecoach company in 1876 along the Bradshaw Trail, then deepened by A.P. Wiley in 1907. The natural artesian pressure suggests aquifer systems fed by distant mountain rainfall, creating a crucial water source in the Colorado Desert's extreme aridity. The well has served travelers and miners for over 150 years.
Access is roadside via four-wheel drive or high-clearance vehicle, with nearby Wiley's Well Campground providing seasonal accommodations (September 15-April 15). The desert heat makes visits between May and September challenging; visit during the cool season. Nearby rock-hounding sites and the historic Bradshaw Trail attract geology enthusiasts. Bring abundant water and plan for extreme heat exposure.
Is Wiley's Well worth visiting?
Best for
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
Located in the lower Colorado Desert in eastern Riverside County, Wiley's Well campground is located adjacent to a desert riparian wash populated by palo verde, smoke tree, mesquite and ironwood trees. There is easy 4-wheel drive access to nearby rock-hounding sites: Hauser Geode Beds and Opal Hill Fire Agate Mine. The historic Bradshaw Trail National Scenic Byway provides access to numerous trails, gem and mineral collection sites, and an historic stage route/mining area. Long term perm...